Banjul, 22 August 2023-In a high-profile event, which was graced by six Cabinet Ministers and other key dignitaries, the GCF-Funded Climate Resilient Fishery Initiative for livelihood improvement Project (PROREFISH Gambia) was officially launched by the Government of The Gambia through Honourable Musa Drammeh, Minister of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.

The Gambia’s fishery sector remains a key contributor to the country’s economy, vulnerable households and rural communities depend on fish for their animal protein intake.  The sector provides employment for about 300, 000 people. However, the impacts of climate change threatens the sector affecting coastal communities and the economy.

PROREFISH Gambia a $25 million six-year Green Climate Fund supported initiative  aims to support vulnerable fishing communities in building resilience to climate change and in diversifying livelihoods through among other interventions climate proofing the sector, technology improvements, and  enhance the fisheries and aquaculture value chains. The Project is co-financed by FAO, the  Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters and the Ministry of Agriculture.

“The project offers a holistic, three-fold response to enhance adaptation, mitigation and reduce the climate-related risks facing the country’s fisheries sector. It will benefit approximately 168 000 people who depend on the fisheries value chain. Through climate adaptation and mitigation techniques, it will strengthen climate-resilience for the Gambia’s fisheries communities who are particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise, Illegal and Unreported and Unregulated fishing and climate stressors.” said Moshibudi Rampedi, the FAO Country Representative.

PROREFISH also places a strong emphasis on empowering women within coastal fishing communities, they will be equal beneficiaries and essential actors in the project activities.

 Dr. Desta Tiruneh, World Health Organization Representative spoke on behalf of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms Seraphine Wakana. He  lauded the existing partnership between the United Nations and the Government of The Gambia. He emphasized the importance of involving the private sector and  the potential of the project to contribute to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Honourable Seedy Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and the National Designated Authority of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) expressed his satisfaction with the project's focus on addressing challenges within the vulnerable fisheries sector, a crucial component of the national economy.  Minister Keita pointed out the significance of this intervention for The Gambia, which holds the 33^rd position among high-risk countries, emphasizing the project's role in mitigating climate impacts through mangrove planting in coastal zones and investment in infrastructure.

Honourable Musa Drammeh, Minister of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters officially launched PROREFISH Gambia. He conveyed a positive outlook and political commitment to the project.  He highlighted the ground breaking potential of the project to address climate change mitigation and adaptation to safe guard livelihoods and contribute to the economy. He emphasized that the intervention will improve livelihoods through investment in small-scale fisheries infrastructure, habitat restoration, and diversification.

The Secretary of National Association of Artisanal Fisheries Operators (NAAFO) Dawda Saine and the representative of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce committed to supporting PROREFISH and highlighted the need to address the harmful influence of human activities on marine life resulting in habitat degradation. They congratulated the government and FAO on the project, a well-conceived ninitiative to address inclusive economic growth minimizing the impact of climate change and for the restoration of marine and riverine ecosystems.